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@Spincess
I used to be adamant that I'd never ride fixed/single speed as I loved my gears so much but when I came across grass bike polo late last summer in Dublin I tentatively took up the offer to have a go on one of their bikes - fixed wheel, really light gear, no brakes, flat pedals...I found it scarey, particularly the flat pedals, but manageable as the gear was so light.
As the game was so much fun I started playing regularly but even as the weeks passed and my confidence grew somewhat (and fearful shrieking subsided!) I never really felt particularly in control on the bike I was allocated so I began to think that if I got myself a fixer for the road it might improve my confidence and handling.
Eventually that little thought grew into such a strong desire that it could no longer be ignored and towards the end of April this year I got my first fg (Langster from a lfgssforumenger) and what a joy and revelation it has been! Finally the penny drops and I get what people have been trying to tell me over the past decade or so!
I'm totally loving the new bike, though it is otp and alu and the bb is too low for a proper velodrome (a dedicated road fixie would make more sense in steel imho) but it was a bargain, is very light and almost a joy to clean, really can't complain!
The trade-off for me in losing the freewheel is that I don't yet have the confidence/skills to take all the gaps that I would on the geared, or to hop over potholes and the like. Also I'm not yet particularly comfortable with trackstanding in traffic but I'm sure with enough hours in the saddle these things will come. Incidentally, since learning to trackstand fixed I seem to be losing the ability to do so freewheel..anybody else had this problem?
On the plus side speed is much more easily controlled and a calm cadence is actually enjoyable, (geared I tend to feel the need to spin like a madwoman!) and I'm enjoying arriving at my destination reasonably composed as opposed to far too hot and sweaty! Also as I didn't think it was possible to look further ahead on the road, I am pleasantly surprised to find myself doing this.
Now I ride fixed whenever I can, and rather unbelievably rode in the Irish Track Nationals this summer!